The vital support offered to children and young people by Hull Independent Visitors Service is being highlighted as Volunteers’ Week 2026 gets underway.
Running from Monday 1 June-Sunday 7 June, Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
In Hull, some of that important work is being carried out by Independent Visitors, who are adults offering support to children and young people living with a foster family or in residential care.
They are separate from social services and all other agencies, and are just for the young person.
Independent Visitors are volunteers who offer confidential support to a young person they have been specifically matched with on a long-term basis.
The aim of the role is about providing one to one time and space for a young person to:
- talk
- feel listened to
- feel valued
- have some fun
Matthew Farnham, below, is an Independent Visitor, who combines his role supporting a young person from Hull with his work as a project manager at an environmental consultancy.
He said: “There is a lot to be said about the challenges faced by young people with care experience – and the need, genuinely, to feel that they belong.
“Being an Independent Visitor can play a vital role in creating that sense of belonging.
“For as little as 1 hour a month, you can make a young person excited to spend time with you.
“We can all play a part in helping make the life of a young person better, simply by being there, listening, and spending time together.”
You can read more from Matthew via Volunteers’ Week 2026: How I became a Hull Independent Visitor – Hull CC News.
Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Linda Tock, said: “Whilst any volunteering can make a great difference, those people that join Hull Independent Visitors Service have the chance to make a huge impact on the lives of children and young people.
“We’re looking for adults to match with a child aged between 6 and 18, where the aim would be to pair them with a young person who has common interests.
“It could be a trip to the cinema or bowling, or going to our city’s amazing museums.
“Equally, sometimes it might be something as simple as a walk in the park or playing a board game.
“Different children have different needs, and we do have wonderful young people who need to be matched to a caring adult now.
“I encourage anyone who feels they can take on the challenging but rewarding role of being an Independent Visitor to get in touch with our service.”
For more information on how to become an Independent Visitor, visit Hull Independent Visitors Service | Hull.